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Tussi

Learn a funny, quirky German word each week with DW's Word of the Week feature. This week: Tussi.

https://p.dw.com/p/Rlna
Image: obs/Simba Toys
She wears revealing outfits and heavy make-up, which she checks regularly, and is known for being shallow and petty. In German, you could call her a "Tussi" - generally pronounced with a condescending tone. The word stems from the ancient Germanic heroine Thusnelda, who was anything but a "Tussi." In the first century A.D., when the northern Germanic tribes were at war with the Romans, her own father delivered her over to the enemy to be imprisoned. According to the history books, she remained brave and honorable during her incarceration. "Tussi" is, therefore, a rather inapt insult. "Paris Hilton" would perhaps be more suitable.
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